You packed your suitcase, checked in for your flight, and arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Then, just before you reach the TSA checkpoint, you start wondering whether the driver’s license in your wallet is enough to get you through security.
It’s a question many travelers have been asking since the REAL ID deadline took effect. The new requirements have left many people wondering whether they need a REAL ID, a passport, or both before boarding a domestic flight.
Fortunately, the answer is much simpler than it seems. Before your next trip through Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), here’s what you need to know to make sure your identification is ready long before you reach the security checkpoint.
Quick Answer: What ID Do You Need to Fly Within the U.S.?
If you’re flying within the United States, you only need one TSA-approved form of identification. That can be a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (called a STAR ID in Alabama), a valid U.S. passport, or another TSA-approved photo ID. You do not need both a REAL ID and a passport for a domestic flight.
REAL ID vs. Passport: What's the Difference?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state-issued identification card that meets the federal REAL ID requirements for air travel within the United States. If you normally use your driver’s license as your everyday form of identification, upgrading to a REAL ID allows you to continue using it when flying domestically.
A U.S. passport is primarily intended for international travel, but it’s also accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. If you already have a valid passport, there’s no need to get a REAL ID just to travel within the U.S.
If you’re flying out of Montgomery, there’s one important thing to know. Alabama’s version of a REAL ID is called a STAR ID. If your driver’s license displays the STAR symbol and is valid, it meets the federal REAL ID requirements and can be used to board domestic flights.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | REAL ID / Alabama STAR ID | U.S. Passport |
Accepted for domestic flights | Yes | Yes |
Accepted for international flights | No | Yes |
Best for | Travelers who mainly fly within the U.S. | Travelers who fly domestically and internationally |
Issued by | State licensing agency | U.S. Department of State |
Choosing between the two really comes down to how you travel.
If most of your trips are within the United States, a REAL ID or Alabama STAR ID is usually the most convenient option because it also serves as your driver’s license. If you regularly travel internationally, carrying a passport can cover both domestic and international trips.
How to Make Sure Your ID Is Ready Before Your Flight
A quick check before travel day can save you unnecessary stress at the airport.
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have one of the following:
- A valid Alabama STAR ID or another REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
- A valid U.S. passport
- Another TSA-approved photo ID
Whichever form of identification you plan to use, take a moment to confirm that it’s current and hasn’t expired.
If you’re an Alabama resident and don’t yet have a STAR ID, it’s worth updating your license well before your next trip. Applying ahead of time gives you plenty of time to gather the required documents and receive your new ID before travel day.
What Happens If You Show Up Without the Right ID?
This is the situation every traveler hopes to avoid.
If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification, getting through security becomes much more complicated.
In some situations, TSA may offer an alternative identity verification process called ConfirmID. As of February 1, 2026, the service carries a $45 fee and covers a 10-day travel period. Even then, identity verification isn’t guaranteed, and travelers may still be subject to additional screening or denied access through the security checkpoint.
Fortunately, this is one travel headache that’s easy to prevent. Taking a minute to confirm you have a valid, TSA-approved ID before leaving home can help keep your trip on schedule from the very beginning.
What Other Forms of ID Does TSA Accept?
Most travelers fly with either a REAL ID or a passport, but those aren’t your only options.
TSA also accepts several other forms of identification, including:
- U.S. Passport Cards
- Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards
- U.S. Military IDs
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Federally recognized Tribal photo IDs
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from participating states
If you plan to travel with a less common form of identification, it’s always a good idea to review TSA’s current list of accepted IDs before your trip.
One quick reminder: temporary paper driver’s licenses can’t be used at TSA security checkpoints. If you’re waiting for your permanent license to arrive, be sure to bring another TSA-approved photo ID, such as a valid passport, to avoid any unexpected delays on travel day.
Flying Through MGM Makes Travel Even Easier
Having the right identification is one of the easiest ways to avoid travel-day stress, but where you fly from can make a difference, too.
At Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), travelers enjoy a simpler airport experience from the moment they arrive. Instead of navigating crowded terminals or long walks to the gate, you’ll find an airport that’s designed to get you from check-in to takeoff with less hassle.
When you fly from MGM, you can expect:
- Convenient parking just steps from the terminal
- A compact airport that’s easy to navigate
- Shorter walks from check-in to security
- A more relaxed travel experience with fewer crowds
Once you’ve confirmed your identification is ready, flying through Montgomery Regional Airport helps make the rest of your journey just as smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with an expired passport?
No. If you’re using a passport as your identification for a domestic flight, it should be valid on the day you travel. If your passport has expired, bring another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a valid REAL ID or Alabama STAR ID.
Can I use a digital driver's license to fly?
It depends. TSA accepts mobile driver’s licenses only in participating states and at select airports. Before relying on a digital ID, confirm that both your state and your departure airport currently support it.
Does TSA PreCheck replace the REAL ID requirement?
No. TSA PreCheck gives you access to an expedited security screening lane, but you’ll still need to present a valid TSA-approved photo ID, such as a REAL ID, STAR ID, passport, or another accepted form of identification.
How early should I apply for a STAR ID before my trip?
As early as possible. Waiting until the week of your flight could leave you without your new ID if processing takes longer than expected. Applying well before your trip gives you plenty of time to receive your permanent card before travel day.
Where can Alabama residents get a STAR ID?
Alabama STAR IDs are issued at ALEA Driver License Examining Offices. Before your visit, review ALEA’s current list of required documents and office locations to help ensure you have everything you need for your appointment.
Do children need identification for domestic flights?
Usually, no. TSA does not require children under 18 to show identification when traveling within the United States with an adult. However, airlines may have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors or young children, so it’s always best to check with your airline before you travel.
Is Alabama's STAR ID the same as a REAL ID?
Yes. Alabama’s STAR ID is the state’s version of a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. If your license displays the STAR and is valid, it meets the federal requirements for domestic air travel.
Be Ready Before Your Next Flight
Travel day is much less stressful when you know you’ve already taken care of the essentials.
Before your next flight, take a minute to confirm that your identification is valid and TSA-approved. It’s a simple step that can help you avoid unnecessary delays, additional screening, or unexpected surprises at the security checkpoint.
Once that’s checked off your list, Montgomery Regional Airport makes the rest of your journey just as straightforward. With convenient parking, a walkable terminal, and an easy-to-navigate layout, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time looking forward to your trip.
Whether you’re traveling for business, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, starting your journey at MGM helps make the experience smoother from the very beginning.
Before you fly, review TSA’s latest identification requirements, explore flight options, and find additional traveler resources at flymgm.com.